Shared Motherhood or Reciprocal IVF is a treatment performed for female couples where one partner carries the pregnancy and the other partner donates her eggs which are used to create an embryo with Donor sperm. This treatment allows both partners of same sex couples to be involved in the creation of their family.
One partner (intended genetic parent) undergoes ovarian stimulation and has an egg collection. The eggs are then fertilised using Donor Sperm. The intended birth mother has the embryo transferred into her uterus. Any additional embryos can remain frozen for use by either partner in the future.
The Children & Family Relationships Act (2015) (CFRA) sets out legislation regarding the egg donation programmes available in Ireland.
In advance of your treatment the donating partner will be required to agree to the legislative obligations placed on them by the Irish legislation. Even though this treatment process is recognised as being within a family unit, the regulations of the CFRA will need to be applied. Both partners consent to their details to be put on a register held at the Department of Health for this purpose.
